Precipitated calcium carbonate

When evaluating PCC, you must prioritize chemical purity (CaCO3 content >98%), particle size distribution (D50), and whiteness/brightness (typically >95%). For specialized applications like plastics or rubber, the oil absorption value and surface treatment (e.g., stearic acid coating) are critical to ensure proper dispersion and compatibility with polymer matrices.

The choice depends heavily on the end-use: Paper industry buyers should focus on opacity and ink absorption; Pharmaceutical/Food grade buyers must ensure compliance with USP/BP or FCC standards and heavy metal limits (Pb <3ppm); while Construction/Paint buyers should prioritize rheological properties and pH stability.

Suppliers should ideally hold ISO 9001:2015 for quality management. For food or medical applications, HACCP, GMP, or FDA registration is non-negotiable. Additionally, ensure the product complies with REACH regulations if exporting to the EU, and request a comprehensive Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for logistics and safety handling.

Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every batch. It is highly recommended to engage third-party inspection services like SGS or Intertek to perform Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI), focusing on moisture content (should be <0.5%) and grit content to prevent machinery wear during processing.

The most significant risks include moisture contamination during sea transit and quality substitution (mixing PCC with cheaper Ground Calcium Carbonate). To mitigate this, ensure moisture-proof packaging (PP/PE bags with inner liners) and use Trade Assurance services on platforms like Made-in-China.com to secure your payment until quality is verified.

PCC is price-sensitive to energy and raw material costs. Negotiate based on Incoterms 2020 (FOB or CIF) and seek volume-based discounts for annual contracts. Given the weight-to-value ratio, sea freight in 20ft containers is the most economical method; ensure the supplier provides a Weight Bridge Ticket to avoid disputes over quantity.

Always verify the supplier's Business License and Export Qualification. Conduct a Video Factory Audit to confirm their production capacity and kiln technology. For the first transaction, use a Letter of Credit (L/C) or a staged payment (e.g., 30% deposit, 70% against B/L copy) to minimize financial exposure.

Ensure the supplier uses palletized packaging with shrink wrap to prevent bag breakage and dusting. For long-distance shipping to regions with high humidity, request desiccants inside the container. Clearly label the cargo with HS Code 2836500000 to facilitate smooth customs clearance and ensure all Export Declaration documents match the physical goods.